TEXMESSAGE

Tuesday, February 7

Good morning, TexMessagers. Do you think Rep. Ted Poe can get his proposal to force the Obama administration to approve the Keystone bill through the House this week?

TEXclusive

Rep. Ted Poe (Diana Carlton / Hearst Newspapers)

Rep. Ted Poe, R-Humble, said Congress has the legal right to compel the Obama administration to approve the Keystone XL pipeline.

“The legislation that I filed will allow Congress to approve the Keystone pipeline,” said Poe told Fox News on Monday. He later added that “Congress also has the legal authority to engage in foreign commerce.”

Environmental groups and Democratic congressional leaders strongly oppose the pipeline, saying it could prove devastating to the environment. Republicans and energy produce strongly support the pipeline, saying it will provide thousands of American jobs and help the U.S. become energy self-sufficient.

Poe compared the Keystone debate to the situation in 1973, when Congress approved a pipeline in Alaska despite the protests of — his words — “environmental obstructionists.”

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